5 Essential Tips to Maximize Your Electronic Shelf Labels Investment

You’re looking for compelling ways to engage with customers inside your store, so you’ve decided to get rid of paper shelf tags and go digital.

First of all, smart decision! Second, you need to think about ways to maximize your ROI and make a splash with your customers. In the rapidly evolving retail landscape, Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) can help you unlock significant operational efficiencies while enhancing the customer experience.

Here are five essential tips to get the most value from your ESL implementation.

1. Keep it simple and prioritize essential information

The primary function of your ESL system should be clear, efficient communication with a clean layout that shoppers can process at a glance. While it’s tempting to pack displays with information, less is often more:

• Focus on price, unit pricing, and promotional details
• Include competitor price comparisons (when advantageous)
• Reserve more detailed product information for interactive displays or shelf talkers

2. Strike the right balance between information and promotion

Create a clear distinction between informational and promotional displays:

• Use standard price tags for straightforward price communication
• Strategically deploy enhanced graphical displays for high-margin items or special promotions
• Consider implementing rotating displays that alternate between price information and promotional content

3. Leverage dual-purpose functionality

Modern ESL systems should serve both your customers and your staff effectively. PDI Electronic Shelf Labels integrate directly with Pricebook so you can make real-time inventory and pricing updates across store locations. To manage these updates from a store perspective:

• Use ESLs to streamline inventory counts and reduce manual scanning time
• Train staff to utilize inventory management features during restocking
• Update tags remotely to speed up store resets and product rotations

4. Future-proof your approach with 2D barcode support

With the industry moving toward 2D barcodes by 2027, now is the time to refine your ESL strategy for both traditional and 2D barcodes:

• Use this transition to test customer engagement with 2D codes
• Track customer scan behavior to test and refine your display strategies
• Implement inventory management functionality for staff-specific barcode displays

5. Optimize visibility through smart design

Ensure your ESL displays are easily readable for all customers, including under different lighting conditions:

• Prioritize high-contrast display options (black text on white backgrounds works best)
• Select appropriate type sizes based on viewing distance and shelf height
• Use color strategically—reserve it for highlighting sales or special promotions

Start building your ESL strategy today

Electronic shelf labels are a powerful tool for modernizing your retail operations and staying competitive in today’s dynamic market. By implementing these best practices, you can maximize ROI while improving both operational efficiency and the customer experience.

Want to explore ESLs further or connect with an expert? Visit our PDI Electronic Shelf Labels product page.